1. Introduction to Motor Learning and Control
Chapter 1

2. Definitions Motor learning Motor control
Study of processes involved in acquiring and refining motor skills and of variables that promote or inhibit that acquisition
Motor control
Focuses on the neural, physical and behavioral aspects that underlie human movement

3. Learning vs. Performance
A relatively permanent change in a person’s capability to execute a motor skill as a result of practice or experience.
Performance
The act of executing an act or skill

4. Motor Skill Goal-oriented
Body and limb movements required to accomplish goal
Voluntary
Must be learned or re-learned

5. Precision of Movement Fine motor skill Gross motor skill
Involving very precise movements normally accomplished using smaller musculature
Gross motor skill
Places less emphasis on precision and is typically the result of multi-limb movements

6. Precision of Movement
Fine
Gross

7. Nature of Movement Organization
Discrete
Beginning and end points are clearly defined
Serial
Composed of a number of discrete skills whose integrated performance is crucial for goal achievement
Continuous
Beginning and ending points are arbitrary

8. Predictability of the Environment
Closed
Performed in environments that are very stable and predictable
Open
Performed in unpredictable, ever changing environments

9. Predictability of the Environment
Closed
Open

10. Gentile’s Multidimensional Classification System
Regulatory conditions
Environmental factors that specify the movement characteristics necessary to successfully perform a skill
Are the regulatory conditions stable or in motion?
From trial to trial, do the regulatory conditions remain fixed or do they change?

11. Gentile’s Multidimensional Classification System
Action requirements
Is the performer required to change locations or maintain body position when performing the skill?
Does the task require the performer to manipulate an object or opponent or not?

12. Task Examples

13. Individual Differences
Relatively stable and enduring characteristics that make each of us unique
Examples:
Body type
Physiological make-up
Learning styles
Type and amount of previous movement experience
Developmental level
Cultural background
Psychological make-up

14. Abilities
Genetic traits that are prerequisite to the development of skill proficiency
Existence of general motor ability?
Specificity hypothesis

15. Fleishman’s Taxonomy Groups motor abilities into two categories:
Perceptual motor abilities
Physical proficiency abilities

16. Perceptual Motor Abilities
Control precision
Multi-limb coordination
Response orientation
Reaction time
Speed of limb movement
Rate control
Manual dexterity
Finger dexterity
Arm-hand steadiness
Wrist finger speed
Aiming

17. Physical Proficiency Abilities
Static strength
Dynamic strength
Explosive strength
Trunk strength
Extent flexibility
Dynamic flexibility
Gross body coordination
Gross body equilibrium
Stamina

18. Task Analysis
The breaking down of a skill into its component parts and corresponding underlying abilities

19. Task Analysis Example